Wireless Wednesday for 5/7/14: With Mitch Evans - OBX and Getting Twiter Followers

* TOPICS -  Rick is in the Outer Banks of North Carolina this week playing his usual golf and has visited the site of the Wright Bros. first flight in Kitty Hawk.

www.outerbanks.org

It's the question I'm asked often.   How do I get more Twitter followers?

There are 241 million active users on Twitter each month, according to the social media site’s own reports. This statistic alone should be enough for social media marketers and content managers to recognize the value of Twitter.

The problem is not whether or not people are using Twitter. There’s no question that they are, to the amount of 500 million tweets a day worldwide.

The problem is how to communicate your message to someone who actually cares about it. That’s where your followers come in.

Twitter followers are people who choose to subscribe to your messages. And, regardless of how many people you choose to follow, everyone wants more Twitter followers

Not all of us are like Mitch and are are on the radio and can get Twitter followers.

Have a listen:

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 5/7/14 on 92.9 The Game Part 1’ on Audioboo

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 5/7/14 on 92.9 The Game Part 2’ on Audioboo

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1.  Don’t be an Egghead

Part of setting up your Twitter account is replacing the automatic egg avatar with a professional close-up of yourself or your company’s logo, depending on the account’s purpose. I discourage you from posting funny profile pictures, unless you don’t want people to take your personal brand seriously.

 

2.  Write a Great Bio

Your bio should tell who you are and what you’re interested in. You also should consider including a fun or interesting fact about yourself.

3.   Interact with your followers and others...

Start up conversations and answer questions

4.  Tweet consistently

There are almost 10,000 tweets sent every second. This means you have to tweet frequently to get noticed. You can’t assume that you can send a message a single time or tweet once a day and build a following. Tweet throughout the day.


5.  Search #hashtags

Search hashtags related to your industry to find people to follow, conversations to join and points to retweet. This allows you to network with others who share your interest, creating following/follower opportunities.

 

6. Participate in chats

I love Twitter chats, as my followers undoubtedly know. These online, topic-based conversations are a great way to meet people. In addition to participating in chats, hosting or being a featured guest on chats also are great ways to build your following. There are Twitter chats on just about any subject.

7. Retweet others

Retweeting people’s content and their tweets helps you build a relationship with them while providing your audience with information of interest.
 

App of the week:

MyWARN: A Breakthrough in Weather Apps   $9.99

MyWARN is an app that delivers critical National Weather Service severe weather risks, watches and warnings to your smartphone based on your location.

**** How It Works ****
MyWARN constantly monitors the latest tornado, severe thunderstorm and flash flood watches and warnings from the National Weather Service. It uses the location services in your device to notify you immediately when an alert is issued for where you are.
**** FEATURES ****
* Only Alerts For Where You Are: Legacy warning systems, like sirens and NOAA Weatheradio, issue warnings for entire counties. But National Weather Service warnings are drawn very precisely. MyWARN only notifies you when you are in the precise alert area.
* Only the Alerts You Want: MyWARN lets you filter out alerts that you don’t want.
* Always On: MyWARN sits silently in memory waiting for a match from the MyWARN servers.
* AlertsInMotion: MyWARN notifies you when you drive into or out of an alert, no matter where you are in the United States.
* Early Heads Up: MyWARN alerts you hours in advance by notifying you when severe weather is forecast for your location by the experts at the Storm Prediction Center.

 

Wireless Wednesday for 4/30/14: With Mitch Evans - Mother's Day Gift Gadgets

Rick and Mitch talk about some tech items, new innovations, and gadgets that would make a great gift for mom.

Have a listen to both parts:

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 4/30/14 on 92.9 The Game Part 1’ on Audioboo

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 4/30/14 on 92.9 The Game Part 2’ on Audioboo

 

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Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there!
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1.  The new HP Pavillion x360 laptop  - $399.99

11.6" screen (touch)

Use as a notebook to work, rotate into a stand to watch, convert into a tent to play, and transform into a tablet to go anywhere. This innovative convertible PC has the flexibility to keep up with all your needs.

Tap, swipe, pinch

No matter which way you use the Pavillion x360, the latest touchscreen technology makes the most of notebook, stand, tent, or tablet mode.
With BeatsAudio™ and dual speakers optimized for use in any position, the HP Pavilion x360 is designed for the best-sounding, richest audio on a PC.
Convertible and powerful

 


2.  Isabelle Grace Jewelry  -  You can't go wrong with Isabelle Grace

Jewelry that celebrates life it's high tech and made so well. Order online

http://www.isabellegracejewelry.com/
 

 The Queen Mom Keychain and the Bella Madre necklace and they can personalize

3. Urban Halo Headbands  -  www.myurbanhalo.com

$15 each for no sweat headbands - fashion meets function

 

4.  SoundFreaq  - Sound Rise alarm clock and Bluetooth speaker

Sound Rise, a modern bedroom alarm clock & Bluetooth speaker, which was named a “Best of Show” finalist by iLounge at CES 2014. Sound Rise is packed with award-winning sound, smart features and built in a compact design with a small footprint.

An all-black version of Sound Rise will be available for $69 at Target and Target.com. A taupe/wood version of Sound Rise will available for $79 on Soundfreaq.com and Amazon.com.
Sound Rise streams award-winning audio via Bluetooth and is equipped with a universal USB power port, allowing users to charge their smartphones. Sound Rise also offers dual alarms with weekday/weekend settings and gradually increasing volume, allowing users to wake up gently to the radio, music or alarm chime.

Get rid of everything else on your nightstand.  All you need is a Sound Rise.

 

5.  IronX Action Camera $299.99
www.ironxcam.com

Again keeping with the active mom theme...

IronX D01 is a full HD action camcorder equipped with a live view wrist remote. IronX shoots in 1080p (60fps), 16MP still photos, has a waterproof case that can reach 60m depths, comes with multiple mounts and is smartphone app supported

(If time)  6.Belkin Kitchen Stand and Wand for Tablets - about $25

Tablets like the iPad and Kindle Fire make great kitchen companions. They can serve as infinitely expansive digital cookbooks, complete with video instructions, or be used to stream news and TV shows. The trouble is, these pricey devices aren't naturally at home in the kitchen. To rectify this, mom can prop her tablet up on the Belkin Kitchen Stand and use the accompanying stylus to keep the touchscreen free of turkey

 

App of the week:

Cyber Dust  for iOS  - Free

Mark Cuban, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks, and investor on ABC’s Shark Tank, released Cyber Dust, a new app that lets you send multiple text messages and photos that disappear after 30 seconds. Think WhatsApp combined with Snapchat. The app makes it easy to have control over your messages so you can have private conversations and send destructing photos. Like Snapchat, you will be notified if someone takes a screenshot. You can download Cyber Dust from the App Store.

Customer Review: Thanks to Mark Cuban the Cyber Dust App makes communication with friends and colleagues so much easier. I'm always looking for ways to make my information more private and with the Cyber Dust App my messages are always secure.

 

Wireless Wednesday for 4/23/14: With Mitch Evans - Google Glass in the NBA and Garage Gadgets

Rick is back from Indianapolis and Game 2 of the Hawks/Pacers Playoff game

New tech for the NBA was in action at the game featuring Google Glass. CrowdOptic powers the software that allows realtime video from those wearing the Google Glass to be seen on the big screens in the arena

Pacers Cheerleaders, Dunk Team members, fans, and even the PA annoucer wear one of the 11 pairs of Google Glass the Pacers own at various points in the game.
 
We turn our attention to the garage this week.

The most used part of our house, but many times the most forgotten.

Have a listen:

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 4/23/14 on 92.9 The Game Part 1’ on Audioboo

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 4/16/14 on 92.9 The Game Part 2’ on Audioboo

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1.  MyQ - Makes your garage a "Smart Garage"  by Chamberlain

An attachment that goes with your garage door opener and then is paired with the Wi-Fi in yur house.

Through the MyQ app, you now can control your garage door from anywhere.

Compatible with most mobile phones using an Android or iOS operating system
So you can monitor and control your garage door from your existing device. Works with most garage door openers manufactured after 1993 for wide-ranging use.

Receive alerts

Any time your garage door opens, so you'll know when kids are home safely from school or other family members have arrived. Alerts will also let you know if you forgot to close the door when you left home.

Easy installation

MyQ Garage installs in approximately 30 minutes.

2.   Garage Tek - Storage solutions for your garage http://www.garagetek.com/diy.aspx

GarageTek is the #1 rated garage organization system. We offer a complete garage storage solution that will revolutionize your home. When you choose GarageTek we guarantee a seamless home improvement experience.

Shelves, hooks, platforms/

3. New Better Life Technology Ribbed Garage Floor Covering - $250

Description: Why spend hours scrubbing concrete, applying paint or epoxy, and waiting for it to dry? This attractive polyvinyl covering offers instant results that are better than even the best paint job. Just unroll and your floor is protected--from oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, battery acid, salt and mud. In durable, ribbed polyvinyl that channels spills away with a spray of the hose. In three sizes (note: 7-1/2 x 17 feet is about the size of one parking space). Made in USA. Features: 100% high quality 55 mil polyvinyl throughout the entire mat for maximum protectionReduces amount of dirt tracked into home. Easy installation. No adhesives required Helps prevent concrete deterioration.

 
4. Automatic Labs Automatic  $100 for device and app

A pick for in-car gadgets, Automatic Labs' Automatic "smart driving assistant" plugs into a car's diagnostics port and monitors your fuel efficiency and driving habits. That's not exactly new technology, but Automatic separates itself from the crowd by interfacing seamlessly with a slick iOS app that automatically generates driving reports, makes suggestions to improve your economy, and provides automatic emergency crash response in the event of an accident.

 
App of the Week  

Repair Pal — Free

Available for: iOS and Android
Auto mechanics don't have the best reputation for trustworthiness. Calling different mechanics around town for repair quotes can be a real pain. With Repair Pal, that legwork is done for you.

Just select your car and the type of repair needed, and it'll spit out what you might expect to pay in your area. It's based on the repairpal.com Web site and functions the same. We found Repair Pal's estimates were slightly higher than the final price we paid for various repairs, but well within an acceptable margin.

Wireless Wednesday for 4/16/14: With Mitch Evans - Gadgets and Tech to Fight the Pollen

* TOPICS -

Rick got to play golf on 15 inch cups on Monday with Sergio Garcia and Justin Rose at Reynolds Plantation... how did it go

and...

 Are you coughing, wheezing and sneezing?  

It's the pollen season and there are some high tech ways you can combat that pollen.  Some may be ridiculous, some may be keepers.

Have a listen:

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 4/16/14 on 92.9 The Game Part 1’ on Audioboo

 

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1.  USB Pollen Blocker - Do you have to work outside this time of the year?

A filtered, ventilated head covering developed by Thanko, a small firm based in the capital's electronics mecca of Akihabara. The Pollen Blocker looks like a bright yellow hazmat hood and can completely seal off the heads of hay fever sufferers from the ambient pollen.

The filtered fan in the baseball cap-style brim is powered by USB. Just hook it up to a laptop or mobile device and you'll have a pollen free head space as long as your battery lasts.
The Pollen Blocker, recently launched for US$39.80

 

2.  SHELL HOME AIR PURIFIER SYSTEM

If the pollens and dist are getting into your home...
This unusual looking air-purifier uses water and essential oils to clean the air, and makers claim it removes contaminants such as allergens. Also humidifies the room to dampen down dust in which allergens thrive.
 


3.  Furminator - www.furminator.com   $20-$30

Pets bring pollen allergens and more into the house in their fur. This tool claims to remove hairs from the top coat of a dog or cat by 90 per cent which would cut down the allergens considerably.
 


4. LLOYDSPHARMACY ALLERGY RELIEVER

If you have been exposed to a great deal of pollen...
An iPod-shaped device with two prongs that are inserted into the nostrils and beam two different wavelengths of red light  -  one promoting increased blood flow to the nasal passages, the second to suppress the cells that release histamine thus reducing inflammation.
 
 

5.  Pollen.com

This website offers a wealth of interactive, personalized information on pollen counts. It boasts a free Allergy Alert application for iPhone and iPod Touch users that supplies one- or four-day forecasts in four categories: allergies (i.e., pollen), cold and cough, asthma, and ultraviolet rays. A sister site, PollenWidgets.com, also offers widgets for daily or four-day pollen counts available through Yahoo Widgets or Google Gadgets.


App of the Week  - Allergy Alert app  - Free

Allergy Alert keeps the allergy-suffering public up to date with the nation's leading pollen and allergy forecast from Pollen.com. Also stay informed of other environment factors like asthma index, ultraviolet, and cold and cough.
 

Wireless Wednesday for 4/9/14: With Mitch Evans - Best and Worst Gadgets to Buy in April

* TOPICS -  Rick is in town most of this month and he looks at some of the best and worst gadgets and tech to buy in April.

Mother's, Father's, and graduation days are still over a month away, so www.dealnews.com has stepped up to the plate to give us some advice on what we should buy, or hold off on buying in the month of April.

 Have a listen:

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 4/9/14 on 92.9 The Game Part 1’ on Audioboo

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 4/9/14 on 92.9 The Game Part 2’ on Audioboo

BEST TO BUY:
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1.  60" LCD HDTVs

It's April, and that means deals on 60" LCD 1080p HDTVs. Better than any other TV size category. In March, the prices of 60" HDTVs dipped to a new all-time low of $500. That would be about $100 cheaper than deals found in February.

 


2.  Xbox One Deals

In March the Xbox One dropped as low $399 at one point. That deal didn't last long, but more deals are on the way. Some retailers have been selling it for $450, or 10% off the original price.

 

3.  15" Quad-core AMD Systems

These machines have dropped 22% in since January 1 are are in the $300 range. To compare,  the cheapest quad-core Intel Haswell system went for twice that price last month. Also to compare, 12" touchscreen laptops go for about $310.  With the touchscreen, you get a better Windows 8 experience.

 
4. Subscribe to Pandora - the online music streaming service

Pandora is going to end its annual subscription option and increase the monthly rate from $3.99 to $4.99. This takes place in May, but according to www.dealnews.com and a Pandora blog post, current monthly subscribers will enjoy a $3.99 "loyalty" rate for an undetermined amount of time. New users can also register before May and lock into the rate.
 
WORST BUYS

1. Mother's Day Items

If you need to buy Mom something for Mother's Day, you can start looking now, the better deals on most items like electronics, clothes, and jewelry will be in May.

2. Vacuum Cleaners

Yes, it's spring cleaning time, but it's not the best time to get that new high tech vacuum. There will be better deals as the year goes on and the good deals really pop up in November.


App of the Week  - Mileage Log +  - iOS and Android  (Expensive at $9.99)  But worth it for those on the road

Mileage Log+ is an essential app for anyone who needs to track mileage for tax deduction or reimbursement.

With predictive input, auto-entry, auto-calculation, and quick access to frequent trips, Mileage Log+ does the hard work for you. A few quick taps will create useful data ready to search, sort, and generate email reports.  Uses GPS to track actula miles

Features:
• Designed with IRS compliance in mind
• Excel-compatible email reports (PDF and CSV attachment)
• Frequent trips enable quick entry
• Dropbox sync/backup
• Easily sort, filter, and search trips
• Predictive text fields and data entry shortcuts
• Customizable categories make it easy to group trips

And of course a mention of the Masters app